The Sumage Solution: San Andreas Shifters, Book 1

Can a gentle werewolf heal the heart of a smart-mouthed mage? New York Times best-seller Gail Carriger, writing as GL Carriger, presents an offbeat gay romance in which a sexy werewolf with a white knight complex meets a bad-boy mage with an attitude problem. Sparks (and other things) fly.

Cronin's Key: Cronin's Key Series, Book 1

NYPD Detective Alec MacAidan has always been good with weird. After all, his life has been a string of the unexplainable. But when an injured man gives him cryptic clues, then turns to dust in front of him, Alec's view on weird is changed forever. Cronin, a vampire Elder, has spent the last 1,000 years waiting for Alec. He'd been told his fated one would be a man wielding a shield, but he didn't expect him to be human, and he certainly didn't expect that shield to be a police badge.

The High King's Golden Tongue

Prince Allen has trained his entire life to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious mother, who has made their kingdom one of the wealthiest and most influential in the empire. For the past few years he has trained to become the new consort of the High King. The only thing no one prepared him for was the stubborn, arrogant High King himself, who declares Allen useless and throws him out of court.

Borrowing Blue: A Made Marian Novel

Blue: When my ex walks into the resort bar with his new husband on his arm, I want nothing more than to prove to him that I've moved on. Thankfully, the sexy stranger sitting next to me is more than willing to share a few kisses in the name of revenge. It gets even better when those scorching kisses turn into a night of fiery passion. The only problem? Turns out the stranger's brother is marrying my sister later this week.

Where We Left Off: Middle of Somewhere, Book 3

Leo Ware may be young, but he knows what he wants. And what he wants is Will Highland. Snarky, sophisticated, fiercely opinionated Will Highland, who burst into Leo's unremarkable life like a supernova...and then was gone just as quickly. For the past miserable year, Leo hasn't been able to stop thinking about the powerful connection he and Will shared. So, when Leo moves to New York for college, he sweeps back into Will's life, hopeful that they can pick up where they left off.

Broken

When Theodore Davenport decides to switch his mundane job for a career, he walks into Holden House Publishing with enthusiasm and determination to succeed. As he settles into his new role, makes new friends, and dreams of making it to the top, everything is going to plan. Until he meets James Holden, CEO of Holden House.

The Alpha King

The Kingdom of Askara has been torn apart by conflict for centuries, where humans exist as subservient beings to their werewolf masters. Legend says it will only be able to heal itself when an Alpha King and a pure omega are mated and crowned together, but a pure omega hasn't been born in over a thousand years. Luca is an Alpha-heir eagerly awaiting the choosing ceremony on his 25th birthday and the gifts granted by whichever omega he mates.

Step by Step

Jamie's life is one big financial mess, and it really isn't his fault. However, the last thing he expected to find in the library was a Good Samaritan. He might have been suspicious of Guy's motives at first, but it soon becomes apparent that his savior is a good man who has been lucky in life and is looking to pay it forward. Guy being gay is not a problem. Jamie's not interested...or so he thinks.

Filthy Little Secret

After breaking up with his cheating ex, Mark Kenmore turns to rebound sex with the campus drug dealer, Tim Halwell. He's heard the rumors about all the hearts Tim's broken, but after how he's been hurt, there's no way he'll let himself fall into that trap. Besides, if the press found out he was screwing around with a drug dealer, it would tarnish his governor mother's reputation. He expects the sex to be hot and exciting. What he doesn't expect is the most intense, mind-blowing experience he's ever had.

Captive Prince

Damen is a warrior hero to his people and the rightful heir to the throne of Akielos, but when his half brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity, and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave. Beautiful, manipulative and deadly, his new master, Prince Laurent, epitomizes the worst of the court at Vere. But in the lethal political web of the Veretian court, nothing is as it seems, and when Damen finds himself caught up in a play for the throne, he must work together with Laurent.

An Unseen Attraction: Sins of the Cities, Book 1

Lodging-house keeper Clem Talleyfer prefers a quiet life. He's happy with his hobbies, his work - and especially with his lodger Rowley Green, who becomes a friend over their long fireside evenings together. If only neat, precise, irresistible Mr. Green were interested in more than friendship. Rowley just wants to be left alone - at least until he meets Clem, with his odd, charming ways and his glorious eyes. Two quiet men, lodging in the same house, coming to an understanding...it could be perfect.

In the Middle of Somewhere: Middle of Somewhere, Book 1

Daniel Mulligan is tough, snarky, and tattooed, hiding his self-consciousness behind sarcasm. Daniel has never fit in - not at home in Philadelphia with his auto mechanic father and brothers, and not at school where his Ivy League classmates looked down on him. Now, Daniel's relieved to have a job at a small college in Holiday, Northern Michigan, but he's a city boy through and through, and it's clear that this small town is one more place he won't fit in.

Out of Nowhere: Middle of Somewhere, Book 2

The only thing in Colin Mulligan's life that makes sense is taking cars apart and putting them back together. In the auto shop where he works with his father and brothers, he tries to get through the day without having a panic attack or flying into a rage. Drinking helps. So does running and lifting weights until he can hardly stand. But none of it can change the fact that he's gay, a secret he has kept from everyone.

The Innocent Auction

It started with a plea for help and ended with forbidden love, the love between a Viscount and a stable-boy. An impossible love and a guarantee of the hangman's noose. Will Deacon fight for Tom? Will he risk the death sentence and take that fight from the stately halls of his English mansion to the horrors of Newgate Prison and the slums of London? Or will he realize that if he doesn't, death will be a welcome end to the loneliness of the sentence he is already living?

Heart Unseen

As a stunningly attractive man and the owner of a successful chain of auto repair garages, Trevor is used to attention, adoration, and getting what he wants. What he wants tends to be passionate, no-strings-attached flings with men he meets in clubs. He doesn't expect anything different when he sets his sights on James. Imagine his surprise when the charm that normally brings men to their knees fails to impress. Trevor will need to drop the routine and connect with James on a meaningful level.

Bonfires

Ten years ago Sheriff's Deputy Aaron George lost his wife and moved to Colton, hoping growing up in a small town would be better for his children. He's gotten to know his community, including Mr. Larkin, the bouncy, funny science teacher. But when Larx is dragged unwillingly into administration, he stops coaching the track team and starts running alone. Aaron - who thought life began and ended with his kids - is distracted by a glistening chest and a principal running on a dangerous road.

Lord Mouse

Scoundrel by nature and master thief by trade, Mouse is the best there is. Sure, his methods may not make him many friends, but he works best alone anyway. And he has never failed a job. But that could change.

One Call Away

When a brutal attack from a jealous competitor leaves Noah Strauss, darling of the modeling world, physically scarred and emotionally damaged, he quits the runway to become a psychologist. Using his contacts from his time in the spotlight, he creates One Call Away, a radio show dedicated to gay men looking for love, advice or someone to talk to. But with secrets of his own and a mother who refuses to understand the career path he's chosen, the one person Noah can't seem to help is himself.

Training Season

Unquestionably talented figure skater Matty Marcus is willing to sacrifice everything for his Olympic dream, but his lack of discipline cost him the gold once before. Now the pressure's on. He needs a coach who can keep him in line, but top coaches don't come cheap, and Matty can't afford to stay in the game no matter how badly he wants to win. When a lucrative house-sitting gig brings him to rural Montana, Matty does his best to maintain his training regimen.

Provoked: Enlightenment

David Lauriston is struggling to build his reputation in Edinburgh's privileged legal world. His humble origins are enough of a hurdle, never mind his recent decision to defend a group accused of treason, prompting speculation that he may harbour radical sympathies. David's personal life is no more successful. Tormented by his forbidden desires for other men, David tries to live a celibate existence. But then into David's repressed and orderly world bursts Lord Murdo Balfour. Cynical, hedonistic, and utterly unapologetic, Murdo could not be less like David.

The Necromancer's Dance: The Beacon Hill Sorcerer, Book 1

Angelus Salvatore is the only necromancer in all of Boston, and his name is whispered warily by the undead and fellow sorcerers alike. He and his brother Isaac are the lone survivors of an attack by an army of the undead, in which Angel used a spell so powerful it forever marked his place in history. Now, years later, Angel struggles to balance his career as a teacher of the higher magical arts, his role as big brother, and a tenuous relationship with an Elder vampire from the local clan.

Devotion: Forbes Mates, Book 1

Finley Cooper is tired of waiting for his destined mate to be ready to claim him. In deference to human laws, he's already agreed to wait until he's 18. But now his birthday has come and gone-and his mate has a new set of excuses. Finley doesn't understand it any more than his wolf does, and he's beginning to wonder if fate made a mistake.

Axel's Pup

As the landlord of The Dragon's Lair and leader of The Black Dragons Motorcycle Club, Axel Carmichael has seen it all and done it all. He's a respected and experienced dom. Nothing shocks him anymore, and nobody catches him off guard. When Bayden rides up to The Dragon's Lair on a bike worth more than most men earn in a year, and immediately demonstrates that he has far more attitude than sense, it's easy for Axel to write him off as a silly little rich boy who's about to get himself killed.

Dim Sum Asylum

Senior Inspector Roku MacCormick of the Chinatown Arcane Crimes Division faces a pile of challenges far beyond his human-faerie heritage - snarling dragons guarding C-Town's multiple gates and exploding noodle factories. After a case goes sideways, Roku is saddled with Trent Leonard, a new partner he can't trust, to add to the crime syndicate family he doesn't want and a spell-casting serial killer he desperately needs to find.

Publisher's Summary

Charming rascal Tristan Northwood seems to have it all: an ancient name, a noble inheritance, a lovely wife, and a son he adores. Women love him, men admire him, and it seems there is nothing he can’t do, whether it’s seducing a society wife or winning a carriage race. Little does society suspect that the name means nothing to him, the fortune is in his father’s controlling hands, and he has no interest in his wife except a very distant friendship. Society bores him, and he takes dares because he only feels alive when he’s dancing on the edge...until his wife’s brother comes home from the wars.

Decorated war hero Major Charles Mountjoy jerks Tris out of his despair by inspiring feelings of passion Tris had never suspected himself capable of. Almost as terrifying as those feelings for Charles are the signs Charles might return his affection - or, even worse, that Charles sees the man Tristan has been trying so valiantly to hide from the world.

In genre it reminds me a lot of the late Barbara Cartland books, though that should not be set as a guideline for the story.

Which character – as performed by Paul Morey – was your favorite?

Gibson, I loved his accent. In general Paul Morey was excellent at performing voices, as they only changed slightly in tone, instead dialect and accent were used to describe the individual characters.

Any additional comments?

The story had a great diversity among the characters, Charlotte and Tristan were probably those with the best descriptions. The initial description of Tristan's life, not only as a child but also leading up to his marriage quickly stirred my sympathy. The changes that transpire for him through his life are well described and I love the initially slow moving romance.

Charlotte was a delight to listen to, though I often disagreed with her decisions she has a calm way of looking at things. During the first quarter of the book I often found myself smiling at her odd inputs. I might have continued to do that through the rest of the book, but when you do it all the time you stop noticing.

All the main characters had pretty well-developed backgrounds as you moved on through the story.

The stigma of sodomy at the time is handled very well in the book, both how society views it and how the protagonist deals with it.

The language is also generally kept in the right language, very few times is new slang used instead of the more proper form of speaking. It does not make the book hard to understand in any way, but it creates the atmosphere of that time. Only slips I noticed was during the sex scenes, which there weren't too many of. There was more focus on the romance and what it meant to their lives than the sexual part, which I found very refreshing from a lot of gay romance audiobooks.

I am a fan of Rowan Speedwell because she is able to present psychological problems in her characters very realistically.I read this book before listening to it, Paul Morey was able to add to the story via character presentation.Definitely recommended. I also recommend "Finding Zach" with the same author/narrator.

Would you consider the audio edition of Kindred Hearts to be better than the print version?

I only have the audio version to go by, which was fantastic!

What did you like best about this story?

The accuracy of the history, and the details of the time.

Which character – as performed by Paul Morey – was your favorite?

Tristan

Who was the most memorable character of Kindred Hearts and why?

Tristan. He's very insecure and immature at the start, but he grows so much throughout the story.

Any additional comments?

Tristan Northwood is a deviant by the standards of his time. He drinks like a fish, parties like a rock star, takes any dare that is thrown his way and sleeps with any woman that blinks in his direction. It’s all just a façade that he presents as his public persona. He lost his mother and baby sister when he was just a boy, and he’s felt his father’s disdain for him every day since. Now a grown man, his father continues to control him as he is the one that holds the purse strings.

An arranged marriage is set as the Baron no longer wants his son and only heir ramshackling his way across the countryside. Charlotte Mountjoy and Tristan are married and being their otherwise unconventional marriage as mere strangers. Over the next several years though they develop a bond that is unwavering, becoming best friends and parents to a little boy with another child on the way. But Tris is even more restless all these years later. Until Lottie’s twin brother Charles comes for a visit.

Tris is attracted to Charles from the start, which only adds to his uncertainty as of late. He’s always had an odd attraction to the same sex, but never acted on it due to the negative and damning effects of homosexuality at the time. Charles as well hides his attraction to Tris, until he learns that the attraction is mutual. But Tristan’s self loathing and dangerous plans threaten to destroy any chance these two would have at happiness.

I loved the history that was woven into the story. From the costumes of the period down to Napoleon and the war. The book was set in the late 1800’s, a time in which homosexuality was considered sodomy and punishable by incarceration, possibly death. It was interesting how Speedwell painted this aspect of the storyline without weighing down the overall story. I was fascinated as I listened to Tristan’s exploits and followed him as he went from insecure and immature to a strong, fierce and loyal doctor. Charles and Lottie play a huge role in his growth throughout the story. They both love him unconditionally, but it’s Charles that is IN love with him, and it’s that love that gives Tris the strength to become the man he is at the end.

This book was narrated by Paul Morey, and Morey is a fantastic story teller. You can hear the emotions in his voice from changes in octave to slight nuances within the different characters. He expertly nails the sensuality and passion of the more intimate scenes between Charles and Tris as well. I know they say an audio book is a different experience from reading the story, but I would recommend this book regardless of the final delivery.

I liked the concept of Kindred hearts, it is really cool how the story turned out. I thought the author dragged the story on a little too long. I liked the build up to revelation, but after that it was just skating to reach the end.

Would you recommend Kindred Hearts to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, it still a good read, and a different take on Historical M/M romance.

What does Paul Morey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love Paul Morey's narration, he always brings the characters to life for me, and he is able to read the sexual scene without over exaggeration.

Would you be willing to try another book from Rowan Speedwell? Why or why not?

Perhaps-- depends on whether I'm interested in the topic or not.

What three words best describe Paul Morey’s performance?

god awful pronunciation

Any additional comments?

While in general, I like Paul Morey's voice & pacing, the pronunciation mistakes were so bad as to become ridiculous and distracting. Goethe, for instance, is not pronounced "go-eth." And having not one, but two characters supposedly fluent in German, actually making that fluency a part of the plot, means, probably, that they'd get that name correct.

That said, the story was interesting, in a regency m/m romance sort of way. Predictable as anything, but nice brain candy.

The performance, aside from the pronunciation errors, was enjoyable as well. Morey has a nice voice, calm and soothing. His character voices keep the story entertaining, and the characters are clearly distinguishable from one another and the narrative voice. Seriously, a little research could've made this performance much, much better. However, the place names, historical and literary names, French & German pronunciations.... all suck. If you don't mind that, go for it. It bugs the snot outta me, personally.

War, History, Aristocracy, Victorian moral values AND a gay love story? What more can you ask for? If I would have had time, I would have listened to it all in one sitting. All of the characters are relatable, well written and interesting in their own ways. The story line is easy to follow and entertaining and the narration couldn't be better.

I really enjoyed this story. Tristan and Charles are a great couple. The story is mostly about Tristan's journey as a man from "self hatred" to a "man of worth". He credits Charles with his transformation, but it was mostly him. The backdrop for this England during the war with Napoleon. The historical aspects are woven in beautifully. Paul Morey does a great job as usually and he really drew me into this romance. The female minor character is delightful, but probably a little unrealistic. She is married to Tristan and encourages his relationship with Charles. Great for the story, but . . . Overall, definitely worth a credit.

First of all let me say I loved Rowan Speedwell's other audiobook Finding Zach it was such a refreshing change from most of the other male/male fiction out there. So it was with high hopes I started Kindred Harts. the good thing is Speedwell still manages to draw a complex main person who is dealing with real issues. the bad news is I just could not find myself sympathizing or even empathizing with anyone in this book. I mean don't we all wish we had Tristan's issues he is smart good looking seems to have a matural ability in almost every field he enters and oh yes he is rich too. The idea that the love of his life just falls into his lap was just too much. By all accounts Tristan is a likeable guy who is just very lonely. I found myself asking if he is liked by almost everyone why is Charles the first person to show him kindness. it was this theme along with a contrived plot that made me almost stop listening several times.

I will give Speedwell's work another try because of her first triuph but this book was a great let down for me.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Let me begin my review by saying that I had actually read this book when it first came out on my kindle and had given it 4 stars so I thought it would actually be fun to listen to it since I was waiting for the next installment in a couple different series and just needed a filler. To say that I was disappointed was an understatement. First of all, the narrator REALLY got under my skin. The characters in this book were mostly English but not one of them had an English accent although a very poor Scottish brogue was thrown in there every once in a while. Second, there were a few times that as the narrator changed characters he never changed voices or if he went from a male character to a female, his voice actually became deeper. Also, I'm not really sure if I just didn't remember the story as being so trite or if it was just hearing it instead of reading it and kind of narrating in my head but I really just wanted to tell Tristan to stop being such a whiner and grow up. Not to mention Charlotte was the most out of touch person on the planet. So I am sorry to say that I actually had to force myself to finish this book and was really sorry to have wasted a credit on it especially since it went on sale for $6 after I purchased it.

Firstly I must state strongly that I love Paul Morey's readings of other books I've got and I wish he'd been used for the 3rd volume of "Matter of Time" but that's another review!

I loved the story line of this book but oh how I wish they'd used an english reader or at least taken some time to check pronunciations - there are a large number of "odd" pronunciations - some of which come up time and again.